Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/158

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��The White and Fraiuonia AloidUains.

��THE WHITE AND FRANCONIA MOUNTAINS.*

Hv FRF.n Myron Colky.

���WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGE FROM MILAN.

��What would the world be without mountains? Geographically, one vast monotony of unchanging surface ; geo- logically, a desert waste. Mountains are the rib-bones of the great skeleton of nature, and they hold together the gor- geous outline of river, valley, lake, and savannah that gives the earth all its va- ried beauty. Beautiful and grand as they are, they are as useful as ornamental, and serve a momentous necessity in mundane affairs. They are grand land- marks of the Almighty's power and mercy and goodness, and historically occupy a high position in the lives of nations.

��The seers and saints of the old time speak of the strength of the hills as it they were the special gitts of the Crea- tor to his favored people for their de- fence. The history of later nations has shown us that they have found more in the strength of the hills than de- fences against the attacks of outside ene- mies ; that they have drawn from them a moral vigor of character, a keenness and activity of intellect, and a love of country, which has produced the most enduring and elevated patriotism. And, indeed, we must bless God for moun- tains ; those who live near them are larger, better, nobler than the denizens

��♦From the Bay State Monthly for May, 18S5.

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